I own a Mustang, couldn't care less about the sanctity of the phrase "pony car" as its a rather old saying, and will cross shop anything that works for me. In other words, I like Camaros, Challengers, Genesis Coupes, G37, Chargers etc.
Current thinking has changed with the landscape. Meaning, its more important and appropriate now to join together regardless of the manufacturers of these vehicles "in defense" against the "greenies" and the comatose drivers that aren't "interested" in driving, and just want an A to B "appliance" with fuel economy as their only excitement in life. Not that these people haven't always been around, just that they bleat louder these days it seems....
That article actually did make a point several times that Kia should build a car to take on the Miata (MX5). That goes for other manufacturers too. Now that to me makes a whole lot of sense.